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“I promised my parents before leaving Gujranwala that I would become something big and I had to fulfill that promise.” — Reuters

Aleem Dar became only the third member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires to reach the 100-Test mark when he took to the field to officiate in the second Test between South Africa and England on January 2, 2016 at Newlands. He joins the exclusive company of Steve Bucknor and Rudi Koertzen to have umpired in 100 or more Tests, to date.

Imagine the setting.

A tall, wiry Wasim Akram running into bowl at you on what is the biggest day of your fledgling cricket career.

Akram had a long, but very smooth run up unlike his latter years when he could create magic off a few yards.

Facing-off against him was batsman Aleem Dar.

The right-handed middle-order batsman survived the fast, bouncy test by Akram as both the teenagers were picked on the first day of trials for Lahore's Government Islamia College cricket team.

“Wasim Akram was the first one who got selected for bowling and I was the first batsman to be picked,” Dar says.

“I came to Lahore from Gujranwala got admission in Islamia College and played from there,” he adds.

Akram would be selected by the Pakistan team soon after and go onto become arguably the greatest left-arm fast bowler in history. Dar continued to put in the hard yards on the local circuit but soon realised he couldn't cut it at the top level.

“I really wanted to be a cricketer. I gave it my best shot,” says Dar.

“I played First-class a bit and also played at Grade II level. But, then I realised that it was tough for me to become an international cricketer.”

The setback separated Dar from his childhood dreams but he had promised his parents he would do something 'big' in life.

He vowed to become the best umpire in the world.

“I promised my parents before leaving Gujranwala that I would become something big and I had to fulfill that promise,” he says.

Turning point: 2003 World Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), run by COO Majid Khan, President Khalid Mehmood at that time, initiated a program for First-class cricketers to become professional umpires.

“It was a good opportunity. Azhar Zaidi advised me to take it up, saying it was a good opportunity, and that I may get something out of it,” says Dar.

Since then Dar's never looked back and was lucky enough to get frequent opportunities to progress as an umpire.

He featured in his first international match just after a year's experience under his belt, during which he officiated First-class, Grade II and Under-19 matches.

“I started from my club, where Imran Nazir, Abdur Razzaq and other players were playing at the time,” says Dar.

Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar (C) approaches to the stumps after the Pool A 2015 Cricket World Cup match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. — AFP

“I think I was extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to officiate in an international match with only an year's experience.”

“Even if a Test cricketer comes to this field, he requires at least five to six years to complete the procedure and officiate in an international match,” he adds.

It did not take much time for Dar to become a World Cup umpire and he impressed the ICC on his very first tournament.

Aleem was flawless throughout the event and earned a place in the semi-final as the fourth umpire.

“The turning point of my umpiring career was the 2003 World Cup,” he says.

“ICC appreciated my performance and with only 12 matches worth of experience, I stayed there until the semi-final and was the fourth umpire in it.

“It was a huge achievement for me,” adds Dar.

Dar’s performances in the 2003 World Cup helped him achieve Test status and an England-Bangladesh fixture in October the same year became the first match he officiated.

Dar entered the ‘elite umpires’ category after that match and has maintained the honour since then.

The ICC conducts different tests to keep check on the umpires’ fitness for future assignments and that according to Dar, has pushed him to achieve extraordinary fitness and high levels of concentration.

“We still attend courses or you can say workshops twice a year conducted by the ICC. In those courses, we have our fitness tests, eye tests, hearing tests, which are quite tough,” he says.

The consecutive three-time ICC Umpire of the Year dedication has been key to his success.

“Every match is important for me. I officiate every match like it's my first one.”

‘Aleem Dar from Pakistan’

The 47-year-old says despite all the accolades, his proudest moment has been representing Pakistan.

“I can't explain the moment when I won the first award. For me, it felt like I had done something for my country.

“I had tears in my eyes, I never thought I would reach this level.”

Dar idolised West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor when he started his career and the Jhang-born official say anyone who wants to be successful needs an idol.

“I will say that not only this profession [umpiring], but, whatever profession you have, try to reach its peak, try to be the best in your respective field,” he says.

“Idolise someone, like when I started, I idolised Steve Bucknor. You need to have a role model for yourself.

“Watch cricket on television, try to give decision before the umpire whether it is LBW, some nick or anything else.

On DawnNews

Comments (51) Closed

Who works hard ultimately gets his destination. We are proud of you Aleem Dar.

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raza

Jan 02, 2016 03:58pm

It is indeed an Honor for Pakistan to have representation in this elite panel and some one who has excelled to earn three awards as well.Well done Aleem Dar you make us proud.

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Umar

Jan 02, 2016 04:00pm

Congratulations Sir for reaching 100 matches, may you achieve much more in future.

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Kamran

Jan 02, 2016 04:03pm

Aleem Dar is an inspiration! Keep up the good work Mr. Dar and congratulations for reaching a century of Tests!

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anees from zaida

Jan 02, 2016 04:05pm

A highly respected person and umpire. We are proud that he is a Pakistani.

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Naeem

Jan 02, 2016 04:07pm

Well done Aleem Dar you make Pakistan proud of you. I hope others will follow you in Pakistan and maintain the very high standard you have set.

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SOS

Jan 02, 2016 04:14pm

Hard working and an honest down to earth man, salute!!

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Salman

Jan 02, 2016 05:05pm

Congrats on reaching this milestone and all the best for your future. Your expertise and humbleness has been exemplary

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Saad

Jan 02, 2016 05:18pm

Proud of you sir

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Saeed Masood

Jan 02, 2016 05:34pm

Aleem Dar you have done something which is no more something it is a great thing...
I hope and pray that you journey will continue for a long period and take you new
horizons in cricket umpiring...You have brought a great name to Pride of Pakistan,We are proud of you...God bless you...

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Malik from Australia

Jan 02, 2016 05:42pm

You are a champion umpire, Aleem Sahib. The aspiring umpires should learn from your focus on the game, your discipline, and hard work. Cricket lovers in Pakistan and all over the world should be proud of you. Congratulations and best wishes.

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Omar

Jan 02, 2016 05:51pm

Congrats sir :-))

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M. Saeed Awan

Jan 02, 2016 05:58pm

He is pride for Pakistan and my city Gujranwala. No South Asian umpire can emulate him. Bravo!

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Sampath

Jan 02, 2016 05:59pm

Aleem Dar is a class act making bold, unbiased and mostly correct umpiring
decisions. Congratulations to him on his 100th test.

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Khalid

Jan 02, 2016 06:11pm

What a great achievement for Aleem Dar. You have made the whole nation proud of you. You are a true son of Pakistan. Hardworking, intelligent, honest and full of integrity. While all of us were trying to "get rich quick", you were improving your skills. Good luck to you. You have many years more to come and I am sure you will continue to be an inspiration for hard working young men and women in Pakistan.

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Dr. Sid

Jan 02, 2016 06:15pm

Bravo! Keep up the Good Work!

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Asif Jamil

Jan 02, 2016 06:23pm

Congratulations Aleem Dar! You really are a legend in cricket umpiring and pride for the country .

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Asif

Jan 02, 2016 06:27pm

very proud of you sir!

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Philosopher (from Japan)

Jan 02, 2016 06:32pm

Love you ALEEM dar. Your DRS ratio is best in umpiring circuit.

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Adil

Jan 02, 2016 06:37pm

Its not only the umpiring Aleem excels, his "character" is un-questionable. No scandals or mis-conduct in the social arena. Thank you Aleem for bringing pride for Pakistan. Congratulations for 100 test umpiring! On a lighter note, Jo dar gaya wo mar gaya! But Mr. Dar made it to the top, he never gave up on cricket.

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M.Saeed

Jan 02, 2016 06:40pm

Well done Aleem, wish you all the best and to continue making the country proud.

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Feroz

Jan 02, 2016 06:53pm

Aleem Dar is a very good Umpire. May he go on to supervise many more matches with the same dedication.

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Yaar Nawab

Jan 02, 2016 07:03pm

he is not that old - he should have many many more !!!

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Adnan (Kashmir-Indian Administered)

Jan 02, 2016 07:09pm

Its a another great story of having a - Never Say Die Attitude...If you have enough fire in the belly to do something, no one can stop you. We are bound just by our shackles.

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Zar

Jan 02, 2016 07:27pm

Congratulations Mr Dar, you are our hero and we are proude of you.

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b n khazanchi

Jan 02, 2016 09:41pm

A wonderful umpire from pakistan has eyes of an eagle and a man of very high integrity.

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Khurram

Jan 02, 2016 09:57pm

Indeed he is a great asset for Pakistan

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Siddhartha Shastri

Jan 02, 2016 10:06pm

Mr. Dar has won the trust and respect of cricket players and fans alike, all across the world. Best wishes for a long and successful career.

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Shah

Jan 02, 2016 10:56pm

Many congratulations!

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AdHawk

Jan 02, 2016 11:27pm

Wasim Akram was a rare talent. So is Aleem Dar.

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FAK

Jan 02, 2016 11:53pm

Very well said Mr. Dar that "No dream is too big for you"
Huge respect for you sir. Just make sure you have someone to take your place before you leave. We need this to continue at the higheat level of game.

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Dr Riffat Jabeen

Jan 03, 2016 12:46am

Thank you Aleem Dar for making Gujranwala and Pakistan feel proud. Best of luck for future successes. May you bring more honour and respect for yourself and your country. Amen.

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Malik Ar

Jan 03, 2016 12:47am

A talented empire indeed. Well done Mr. Dar

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SBB

Jan 03, 2016 03:09am

A gentleman, and a great umpire.

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Truth

Jan 03, 2016 03:42am

Proud of You

Excellent Umpire , I would say best Umpire in the world
Indian coaches must come to you and learn who to judge

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mukesh gupta

Jan 03, 2016 06:10am

he is one of d best umpires ICC ever had. even today he is better than Steve Buckner. many many congratulations to u on completing 100 test from an indian

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Zia

Jan 03, 2016 07:08am

Congrats ! You never know where life takes you. I am sure you must be dejected at that time not making it to test team but now you ar ethe only Pakistani cricketing name in form :-).

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JYOTIB

Jan 03, 2016 08:20am

Aleem Dar you are one of the reassuring presence in the field. Your poise and gravity has earned you worlds respect. Your flawless umpiring has helped the game of cricket. We are proud of you.

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Rick_james

Jan 03, 2016 09:04am

You made us all proud as a country Mr Dar.
A BIG Thank You.

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dawn

Jan 03, 2016 09:32am

Wonderful!

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Salman Qamar

Jan 03, 2016 09:58am

Congrats Sir! we are proud of you.

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KD

Jan 03, 2016 10:00am

He is by far the best and most respected umpire on the world today. Many congratulations for 100 tests and very well deserved.

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ahsan

Jan 03, 2016 01:48pm

Alim Dar,s Honest & Neat umpiring is The Ultimate Title,
and on top of that his Century of Test's.
Pakistan and crickeing world is Proud of Him.
Wish Him All the sucess and more in life.

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farooq

Jan 03, 2016 04:23pm

Pride of Pakistan. A big thanks to Aleem Dar.

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Manoj

Jan 03, 2016 07:29pm

Congrats.

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Vivek Amar

Jan 03, 2016 10:27pm

I am a huge fan of Aleem Dar. Respect from India.

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Adeel Ijaz

Jan 04, 2016 02:14am

I hope you continue to prosper in your career

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adeel

Jan 04, 2016 03:56am

Now that what i called a real son of our motherland .Heads down for you sir!!!

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RSS_SUPPORTER

Jan 04, 2016 07:30am

Honest umpiring. Man who symbolise correct and honest decision.

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Imran Ahmed

Jan 04, 2016 01:22pm

Well done Sir!

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Soumen

Jan 04, 2016 03:56pm

I remember you officiating in the 2011 WC final. You were flawless, as usual. But what came across as something notable was your calmness and your overall demeanor. You conducted yourself and set an example for many on and off the field. I wish you all the best for your future. Congratulations from India!